Crocs' colorful clogs will begin carrying a tag warning consumers to be careful on escalators after a spate of reports about wearers getting their toes caught on moving stairways.

The tags, which will be on all shoes by the rollout of Crocs' spring 2009 line, will include warnings such as "avoid the sides of the steps where shoe entrapment can occur" and "supervise children at all times," the company said Tuesday.

The Japanese Trade Ministry earlier this year called on the Niwot-based company to redesign the ubiquitous clogs, and the Metro in Washington, D.C., has put up signs warning riders to be careful while wearing rubbery shoes.

Several multimillion-dollar suits have been filed against the shoemaker regarding escalator accidents with children wearing Crocs.

Crocs says that poor escalator maintenance is often to blame and that many of the entrapment accidents could be prevented by the installation of a safety plate at the side of the step.

The company says its analysis of Consumer Product Safety Commission data shows that there has been no corresponding increase in the frequency of shoe entrapment injuries since Crocs hit the U.S. market five years ago.

"Consumer safety is very important to us," said Ron Snyder, president and CEO of Crocs, in a statement.

"Escalator entrapments have occurred for more than 40 years, far longer than Crocs has been in business, and these accidents often are preventable. Because the Crocs brand is so visible and so popular around the world, we have an opportunity to reach millions of consumers of all ages, including parents, with educational messages that will help draw attention to this important issue."

Crocs sales and stock took off after its early 2006 debut as a public company as consumers - and kids in particular - clamored for the colorful shoes, but lately the company has stumbled, citing slower retail traffic as one problem.

Crocs shares closed Tuesday at $9.63, below its public offering price.

The stock had hit a high of $75.21 on Oct. 31.

Crocs

CROX: Nasdaq

$9.63

UP 35 cents